India Nears Acquisition of MQ-9B Predator Drones from the US

India Nears Acquisition of MQ-9B Predator Drones from the US

India Nears Acquisition of MQ-9B Predator Drones from the US

India is on the verge of finalizing a significant defense deal with the United States for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones. Expected to be completed by March, this agreement is currently awaiting clearance from the US Congress, as per sources familiar with the developments.

Final Negotiations and Deal Details

The final stage of negotiations will commence following the US’s response to India’s Letter of Request (LoR) for these drones from General Atomics (GA), a major US defense contractor. The procurement is estimated to cost around USD 3 billion, although the exact price will be determined during the negotiation process.

Strategic Importance of the Drones

India aims to enhance its surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, through these ‘hunter-killer’ drones. The MQ-9B drones are capable of long-endurance flights and are equipped for a range of tasks, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting.

Distribution Among Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Navy is set to receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and the Army will each acquire eight Sky Guardian drones. These high-altitude, long-endurance drones can remain airborne for over 35 hours and are equipped to carry Hellfire missiles and a significant payload of bombs.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

The potential procurement of these drones was discussed during US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin’s meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi earlier this month. Additionally, an agreement was reached in June for General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to collaborate on producing jet engines for Indian military aircraft.

Indian Navy’s Prior Engagement with MQ-9B Drones

In 2020, the Indian Navy had leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics for a year, primarily for surveillance in the Indian Ocean. This lease has since been extended.

The acquisition of these drones represents a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities and its strategic partnership with the United States in the realm of military technology.

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